Chapter 18 XVIII.
The car ride to the restaurant where our meeting would be taking place was completely silent and awkward. It wasn't usually like this. Most times, Alessandro would annoy me with flirting and small talks, but now he sat beside me, not even a single word has escaped his mouth.
Maybe it's because I told Tina to come with us, which is unusual, or maybe he was still annoyed that Tina fixed his tie, not me.
Maybe I'm just overthinking things. Why would Alessandro be annoyed that Tina fixed his tie? Why am I even assuming that he wanted me to fix his tie instead.
I really should get a hold of myself and stop making everything about me. I didn't even think that maybe Alessandro was acting distant because I almost kissed him.
I'm really a creep.
I'll find a way to apologize for my actions and beg him not to tell Alessandra. She trusted me completely, and I don't want to do anything to break that trust.
We finally arrived at the restaurant, and I quickly climbed down. Tina followed and then Alessandro, who made sure to take his time. I really admired the way he carried himself so effortlessly and confidently. He really is a man to be admired.
I tore my gaze away from him and headed towards the entry to the restaurant. Tina followed behind me, already looking exhausted. She didn't really want to come, but I didn't want to be alone with Alessandro, so I made up an excuse that Tina needed to take notes and brought her along.
She must be tired from all that silence and tension in the car. She did try to make small talks and joke around as she used to, but Alessandro and I were not in the mood for that.
Mr Jackson was already seated waiting for us when we got there. He was a man in his early fifties. He had neat black hair and brown eyes that stared at women like a hawk.
My years in business were enough for me to know that Mr Jackson was a huge player and he could be disrespectful too. But he's a powerful man and an important client, so we need him.
"Good morning, Mr Jackson." I greeted and shook hands with him. He smiled warmly but remained in his seat as he took my hand.
"Morning Rowan. It's nice to see you again." His eyes moved to Tina, who stood behind me, and I watched how they brightened in delight. "And who's this lovely lady beside you?"
"This is my secretary Tina, and beside her is Alessandro Ricci. He's training to become the president of Ricci's enterprise."
I watched Alessandro grimaced, obviously not pleased by my words, but either way, he took Mr Jackson's outstretched hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Same here." Mr Jackson said with a pleasant smile and asked us to have a seat, which we all did.
After that, we talked business, and I presented my ideas and everything else to Mr Jackson. He nodded at every word I said as his eyes flickered to Tina from time to time. Tina, however, was busy taking notes. She barely paid any attention to Mr Jackson's words.
True to his words, Alessandro stayed quiet and calm. He wasn't causing any trouble or making a nuisance. He kind of looks like he was deep in thoughts. I was curious about what was on his mind, but I was extremely grateful that he kept to his words.
"So Mr Jackson, do you now realize that striking a deal with us would be worth it?" I asked after my explanation and presentation.
Mr Jackson sighed. "I am impressed, and with all the benefits you mentioned, I think striking a deal with you will definitely be worth it." I let out a sigh of relief, but then it was cut short when he continued. "However, I can only sign the contract if you do one think." His eyes flickered to Tina with a creepy smile, and I raised a confused brow at him. I hope he isn't about to say what I think he wants to say. "I'll like some time with your beautiful secretary."
Tina gasped beside me, and my breath caught in my throat. I was scared to even look at Alessandro to check what his expression was.
I let out an annoyed breath and tried to maintain a polite smile. "I'm sorry, Sir, but that's improper. My secretary can't..."
"Oh, don't try to play the Saint Rowan. We all know you brought her here for this very reason. I've known you for years. We've had many meetings, but you've never brought your secretary along, not once. I was guessing you know how I am, and that's why you brought her here today."
He stared at me long and hard as if daring me to deny his accusations. I was so shocked at his assumptions that I couldn't find a proper response. I stuttered, not knowing how to reply.
It's all a misunderstanding on his part. I only brought Tina here so I won't have to be alone with Alessandro, but with what he just said, Alessandro and Tina would think otherwise. Moreover, my silence wasn't helping the situation.
Before I could find my voice, Alessandro spoke instead. "She's not a whore or a token to gift you for signing a deal. If you're not gonna sign, then don't. You're not having Tina any time with Tina!"
Mr Jackson turned his glare on Alessandro, and I panicked. With how angry Alessandro's voice sounded just now, I knew without a doubt that a fight was about to break out.
"You know nothing about business, lad. So when men are discussing, you sit back and learn."
"I may know nothing about business, but I know a lot about manners and decency which you clearly don't. No one lays a hand on Tina."
I felt a small pinch of jealousy at the way he defended Tina, but I set that feeling aside and decided to stop this fight instead before it got out of hand.
"Can you both please calm down?" I looked at Alessandro. "You promised to behave, remember?"
Alessandro gave me an incredulous look. "Behave? Rowan, this man disrespects a woman in front of you, and you're asking me to behave instead of him."
The way he was looking at me like I was a monster made my heart hurt, but I ignored the pain and said. "I'll handle this the right way, Alessandro. Please behave." He clenched his jaw but said nothing, and I returned my gaze to Mr Jackson. "Mr Jackson, we..."
He raised a finger to stop me. "Before we discuss anything else, you have to send that dog away from here." He was looking right at Alessandro, so it didn't take a genius to know who he was talking about.
Alessandro's chair scraped against the marble floor. "Who the fuck do you think you're calling a dog you fucking pig!" Alessandro growled loud enough for everyone in the restaurant to hear, immediately drawing attention to us.
"I'm talking about you. What are you going to do about it?" Mr Jackson growled right back as he stood up to face Alessandro head on. They were both tall, but Alessandro was bigger.
"You fucker!" Alessandro rushed forward with his fist prepared to punch Mr Jackson.
On instincts, I quickly stood up and stood in front of Mr Jackson to block him from Alessandro's attack. The result was Alessandro's fist landing on my face instead.